Born and raised in Roanoke, VA, Ashleigh—affectionately known as Astarkey—has always been captivated by the magic of visual storytelling. Inspired by the enchanting films of Disney’s Renaissance era and the vibrant worlds of 90s cartoons, anime, and early 2000s video games, she found her calling in the realm of art and animation.

Throughout her childhood and into her teenage years, Ashleigh poured her creativity into crafting silly comics, sketching unique characters, creating fan art, and writing amateur narratives. These early explorations laid the foundation for her passion, encouraging her to weave stories through visuals.

In 2015, Ashleigh graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with a B.F.A. in Kinetic Imaging, further solidifying her commitment to the art world. Since then, she has embraced a diverse array of mediums, from animation and digital drawing to charcoal and mixed media. Her unique blend of ink and pencil has become a hallmark of her style, showcasing her meticulous attention to detail and deep appreciation for the essence of her subjects.

Currently, as a freelance artist, Ashleigh brings stories to life through animation for various clients, all while continuously evolving her craft. Her unwavering passion for art fuels her journey, as she stays attuned to modern techniques and trends, ensuring that each piece she creates resonates with the charm and narrative depth that first inspired her. With every stroke and frame, Ashleigh strives to ignite the same sense of wonder in others that animated films and games once ignited in her.